Nice proves it is ideology

The tragic events in Nice, France does prove one thing. That you can ban guns, track purchases that can make homemade bombs, but it until emergency managers, politicians, and the media address ideology, these events will continue to happen.

It frustrates people like me, because if you look at the coverage that has taken place, the phrases is "the truck", implying that this vehicle had evil intentions and drove off on it's own. This is both false and misleading. The focus has been on the weapons, and how if, as the pseudo-intellectuals at Vox.com have stated ""Make it harder to get guns." This deflecting of motive from person to object blunts any attempt to address how we can prevent these tragedies from occurring. Do we ban all trucks now? Absolutely not, because terrorist groups have been calling for this exact thing.

The Institute for the Study of War noted in a 2014 report that ISIS spokesman Abu Mohammad al-Adnani instructed supporters in a speech in September of that year. He stated

"If you are not able to find an IED or a bullet, then single out the disbelieving American, Frenchman, or any of their allies. Smash his head with a rock, or slaughter him with a knife, or run him over with your car, or throw him down from a high place, or choke him, or poison him."

The man then goes on to mention cars specifically:

"There are weapons and cars available and targets ready to be hit. ... Kill them and spit in their faces and run over them with your cars."

If you have followed this site since it's inception, you will know what my response. "It's the ideology stupid"

ISIS foundation is build on the strict orthodox interpretation. The way this is promulgated by their martyr message. As the Institute for the Study of War pointed out:

"ISIS glorifies its martyrs and showcases those who hail from foreign lands. ISIS regularly publicizes reports of its international “martyrs,” or suicide attackers."

The fact is, the possibility of a 9/11 style attack are diminishing the farther we get from that event. What the homeland security apparatus needs to understand is that the concept of "lone wolf attacks" being carried out by "homegrown violent extremist". How do emergency managers respond? Well lets look at some aspects of the National Response Framework to see:

Planning: Clearly, there is a lack of imagination with those who are creating the overall planning. Right now, it feels like planning consist of "lets make sure this event doesn't happen again" it is reactionary. Instead of trying to get ahead of the curve, the current planning is the curve.

Mas Care Services: Right now, when an Mass Casualty Event (MCE) occurs, the healthcare infrastructure seems to be overwhelmed. This may be due to budget concerns, or general malaise towards this issue. Whatever the case may be, this area needs to be shored up. 

Situational Assessment: This goes along with planning, but understanding the who, what, where, and how of an event, and getting that covered.

Good Luck and Good Hunting

Happy Birthday to these United States of America...Now stay safe

Fireworks, they are an integral part of the festivities during 4th of July celebrations to such an extent that most people will go out of their way to either see them, or fire some off if they don't want to deal with the crowds. Not to be a downer, but here at the Brief, we always want you to be aware of the risks involved.

In regards to fireworks so fun statistics:

• 67% of firework injuries occur around the 4th of July.
• In 2011, there were nearly 10,00 firework-related injuries treated in U.S. hospitals, with burns accounting for most of those injuries (50%)

1. Hands and Fingers = 36%
2. Eyes, Head, face and ears = 19%
3. Trunk = 11%
4.  Legs = 10%
5. Arms = 5% 

 Fireworks by injury type:

1. Unspecified = 31%
2. Firecrackers = 20%
3. Sparklers = 19%
4. Reloadable Shells = 9%
5. Novelties = 6%
6. Roman Candles = 4%
7. Public Displays = 4% 
8. Bottle Rockets = 2%
9. Multiple Tubs = 2%
10. Fountains = 1% 

Injuries by Age: 

1. 0-4 = 9%
2. 10-14 = 11%
3. 20-24 = 11%
4. 45-64 = 9%

Injuries by Sex:

1. Male = 74%
2. Female = 26% 

(This stat shouldn't surprise anyone)

Now, if you do chose to use fireworks, here are some tips:

• When using fireworks, stand at least 12-15 feet away from where the fireworks are ignited. 
• In case of an injury, such as burns or debris in the eyes, use cool water and dial 9/11
• Remember: Used fireworks still run hot or may explode, so be cautious around any fireworks on the ground. 
• Don't let your children play with any fireworks. If you choose to give your kid a sparkler, keep an eye on it because those can reach a temperature of up to 1,2000 degrees.
• Keep an eye on your older children
• Set off your fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves, or grass or other flammable materials. 
• Have a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that fail to ignite or explode.
• Get everyone out of range before lighting fireworks
• Never light fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Keep any unused fireworks in away from lighting area
• Don't fire off illegally,  local law enforcement will have a lot on their plate and the last thing they need to do is be pulled away to arrest you for not observing local laws. 
• Pretty obvious, but never have any portion of your body directly over a firework when you light it. 
• Finally, don't try to make your own firework, no matter how many Youtube videos you have watched.

If someone does get burned:

• Keep the burn under water for 10 minutes. 
• Do not touch the burn or pull any clothing that may be stuck to it. 
• If you clothing catches on fire, remember: Stop, Drop, and Roll.
• Seek medical advice for any burn on a child larger than a postage stamp.
• If the burn involves any tender areas, definitely have it seen by a doctor. 

Enjoy your holiday ladies and gentleman, be safe and remember those who have sacrificed for us.

Good Luck and Good Hunting